Published: Monday, January 21, 2013 at 10:22 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, January 21, 2013 at 10:22 p.m.

WASHINGTON D.C - Sydney Otis' fingers were frozen, so she shook her mittens as if holding invisible maracas while the rest of her body went numb.

To stay warm — at least in their heads — her classmates pretended they were back sunbathing on Siesta Key.

But those five hours waiting in the cold Monday were soon forgotten when President Barack Obama's face appeared on the jumbotron during the inauguration ceremony at the National Mall.

For the first time in most of their lives, the Pine View students witnessed firsthand history being made.

It was a defining moment for the gifted teenagers who are touted as their generation's future leaders.

"It's rare you do something you can actually read about on Wikipedia," Hunter McLaren, 18, said. "We really don't have perspective on this moment right now. When (our kids) learn about President Obama in school someday, we'll be able to say, 'We were there.'"

The Washington visit was centered around a music competition the Pine View choir won Saturday during the weekend festivities.

The school in Osprey beat out 31 other school choirs across the country at National City Christian Church, a 150-year-old cathedral not far from The Mall.

High expectations

In his speech, Obama called for gay rights, equal pay for women and protecting the environment — all as these young people listened.

"That is our generation's task, to make these words, these rights, these values — of Life, and Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness — real for every American," Obama said, his voice occasionally echoing on the speakers.

For Hunter, the words were inspirational, a potentially pivotal moment in his young adult life.

"It's all on us to basically make a better world," said Hunter, an aspiring teacher.

Pine View — the only Florida public school built specifically for gifted students — is full of high-achievers.

Many of the students on the Washington trip already had several internships under their belts. At least one had been class president and others racked up hours volunteering at hospitals or for various social causes.

One Pine View singer spoke almost apologetically about his grades because, well, they aren't perfect. His GPA is only a 3.95, he said.

With those talents also comes duty, their teachers say.

"They're given so many gifts, but they have so many responsibilities. That's something they hear here a lot, and that's true," music teacher Loisanne Robins said. "This is the world they're going to have to live in. They're going to be the leaders of their generation."

A special moment

With a stash of playing cards and Cliff Bars, the 68 students arrived at The Mall around 7 a.m. The Washington Monument was behind them, the U.S. Capitol draped in American flags less than a mile directly ahead.

Some didn't sleep well because of the celebration outside their Baltimore hotel Sunday night after the local football team, the Ravens, won the AFC Championship and a berth in the Super Bowl.

"All night it was just honking," complained Jane Early, 16.

For several, this was their first time traveling north and experiencing a January winter day. The cold numbed their feet and hands, and they cuddled together to stay warm.

Temperatures were in the 30s, chilly enough for Will Jones to inform his classmates he was inventing nose jackets.

"It's so cold, I almost feel asthmatic," said Will, 17, who wore a fake fur hat.

But the mood was light, as if the National Mall was hosting a tailgating party.

"Everyone was cold, but nobody was upset," Hunter said.

The students waved their American flags and giddily chanted "O-ba-ma. O-ba-ma"

But they were more interested in Beyonce, who was singing "The Star-Spangled Banner," than Michelle Obama.

<p><em>WASHINGTON D.C</em> - Sydney Otis' fingers were frozen, so she shook her mittens as if holding invisible maracas while the rest of her body went numb.</p><p>To stay warm — at least in their heads — her classmates pretended they were back sunbathing on Siesta Key.</p><p>But those five hours waiting in the cold Monday were soon forgotten when President Barack Obama's face appeared on the jumbotron during the inauguration ceremony at the National Mall.</p><p>For the first time in most of their lives, the Pine View students witnessed firsthand history being made. </p><p>It was a defining moment for the gifted teenagers who are touted as their generation's future leaders.</p><p>"It's rare you do something you can actually read about on Wikipedia," Hunter McLaren, 18, said. "We really don't have perspective on this moment right now. When (our kids) learn about President Obama in school someday, we'll be able to say, 'We were there.'"</p><p>The Washington visit was centered around a music competition the Pine View choir won Saturday during the weekend festivities.</p><p>The school in Osprey beat out 31 other school choirs across the country at National City Christian Church, a 150-year-old cathedral not far from The Mall.</p><p><b>High expectations</b></p><p>In his speech, Obama called for gay rights, equal pay for women and protecting the environment — all as these young people listened.</p><p>"That is our generation's task, to make these words, these rights, these values — of Life, and Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness — real for every American," Obama said, his voice occasionally echoing on the speakers. </p><p>For Hunter, the words were inspirational, a potentially pivotal moment in his young adult life.</p><p>"It's all on us to basically make a better world," said Hunter, an aspiring teacher.</p><p>Pine View — the only Florida public school built specifically for gifted students — is full of high-achievers.</p><p>Many of the students on the Washington trip already had several internships under their belts. At least one had been class president and others racked up hours volunteering at hospitals or for various social causes.</p><p>One Pine View singer spoke almost apologetically about his grades because, well, they aren't perfect. His GPA is only a 3.95, he said.</p><p>With those talents also comes duty, their teachers say.</p><p>"They're given so many gifts, but they have so many responsibilities. That's something they hear here a lot, and that's true," music teacher Loisanne Robins said. "This is the world they're going to have to live in. They're going to be the leaders of their generation."</p><p></p><p><b>A special moment </b></p><p>With a stash of playing cards and Cliff Bars, the 68 students arrived at The Mall around 7 a.m. The Washington Monument was behind them, the U.S. Capitol draped in American flags less than a mile directly ahead.</p><p>Some didn't sleep well because of the celebration outside their Baltimore hotel Sunday night after the local football team, the Ravens, won the AFC Championship and a berth in the Super Bowl.</p><p>"All night it was just honking," complained Jane Early, 16.</p><p>For several, this was their first time traveling north and experiencing a January winter day. The cold numbed their feet and hands, and they cuddled together to stay warm.</p><p>Temperatures were in the 30s, chilly enough for Will Jones to inform his classmates he was inventing nose jackets.</p><p>"It's so cold, I almost feel asthmatic," said Will, 17, who wore a fake fur hat.</p><p>But the mood was light, as if the National Mall was hosting a tailgating party.</p><p>"Everyone was cold, but nobody was upset," Hunter said.</p><p>The students waved their American flags and giddily chanted "O-ba-ma. O-ba-ma"</p><p>But they were more interested in Beyonce, who was singing "The Star-Spangled Banner," than Michelle Obama.</p><p>"We want Beyonce!" Jane said.</p><p>Spencer Lowery, 17, blasted a vuvuzela, and strangers high-fived each other.</p><p>As the inauguration ceremony began, the flag-waving grew frantic. Capitol Hill's cast of characters appeared on the screen — former presidents, senators and representatives.</p><p>"Oh yeah, this is nice!" said Brian Hajal, a senior, as he climbed on a classmate's shoulders to get a better look.</p><p>There was Bill Clinton — "I can see Bill," Brian announced.</p><p>Others were not as impressed.</p><p>One student said New York Senator Chuck Schumer looked like one of the actors in an Olsen twins movie.</p><p>But as Obama spoke, the teenagers grew quiet and listened.</p><p>They recorded and photographed the giant screen, capturing the moment as proof they were here.</p><p>"It's really special to be a part of something as big as this," said Amanda Marsh, 15, a sophomore. "It means something to a lot of people."</p><p>When it was over, Amanda Moyer took a long look at the U.S. Capitol.</p><p>"Bye, Obama," the 16-year-old said, turning to leave. "It was nice being a mile from you."</p><p><empty></p>